Off the Bench November 24, 2023
KC-130F 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing MAG-11 Marine Aircraft Group 11
Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 VMGR-352 (Tail marking ‘QB’)
The KC-130F entered service in 1962, and designed to undertake aerial refueling missions in support of USMC aircraft.
Model is a first for me by focusing on a specific model and year in service for this popular multi-use aircraft. My neighbor who served in the Marines worked with these planes in the late 1960’s. This model has paint and plane lettering specific to planes serviced in the Marine Corp at that time. Supporting photos are in the Gallery direct from that time when these planes were in service. The propellers and aerial refueling pods were scratch built. The original model was a C-130J however paint and other details mimic the KC-130F in service at that time.
Aerial refueling
These planes are capable of refueling helicopters, tilt-rotor and fixed-wing aircraft in support of tactical missions, training operations, or ferry flights. This is accomplished through the use of the two refueling pods mounted under the wings of its aircraft, outboard of the engines. These pods trail a 93-foot hose attached to a stabilized paradrogue into which receiver aircraft plug.
The KC-130F made its first test flight in January 1960 as the GV-1 under the old Navy designation system. First entering service in 1962, the KC-130F was designed to undertake aerial refueling missions in support of USMC aircraft. It was developed from the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
Specifications (KC-130J)
General characteristics
Crew: 4 (two pilots,one crew chief & one loadmaster minimum)
Capacity: 42,000 lb
92 passengers or
64 airborne troops or
6 pallets or
74 litter patients with 2 medical personnel
2–3 Humvees or an M113 armored personnel carrier
Fuel offload capacity 57,000 lb
Dimensions
Length: 97 ft 9 in
Wingspan: 132 ft 7 in
Height: 38 ft 10 in
Empty weight: 75,562 lb
Max takeoff weight: 175,000 lb
Performance
Maximum speed: 362 kn (417 mph)
Cruise speed: 348 kn (400 mph)
Range: 2,835 nmi (3,262 mi)
Service ceiling: 28,000 ft with 42,000 lb payload
Take-off run: 3,127 ft at 155,000 lb